The Prayer Shawl Companion by Janet Bristow and Victoria Cole-Galo

by Sharon
(Tucson, Arizona)

This book contains 38 patterns for shawls to fit in with the charity knitting movement known as the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The authors have a Web site at http://www.shawlministry.com/. The shawls range from those designed to help ease someone’s grief to those designed to celebrate momentous events in someone’s life. Also included in the book are stories of individuals who have knit these shawls and stories of individuals who have received these prayer shawls.

There is also a description of the mission and spiritual basis of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and guidance on how to knit in a peaceful, creative, and spiritual manner. The shawls are knit in a variety of knit patterns and yarn types, and all are interesting and attractive. The patterns are mainly for the advanced beginner or intermediate knitter, but some patterns are accessible to the beginning knitter, and there are several that will challenge and interest the experienced knitter.

Well-known knitwear designers such as Jean Moss, Nicky Epstein, and Kaffe Fassett, as well as individuals who are involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry contributed patterns for the book. This book is a great resource for those interested in becoming involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry as well as for those interested in making beautiful shawls.